Cross: Why did Jesus die?

Summary

Jesus, the most famous person in history, is remembered as much for his death as for his life. This session asks why his death on a cross matters: it confronts the reality of sin — something that pollutes, addicts, costs, and destroys relationships — and shows how Jesus' death pays that debt and his resurrection breaks the power of sin, making it possible for us to be forgiven and brought back into relationship with God. The cross is God's love on display for all of us.

Key Points

What is the cross?

• Crucifixion was an ancient Roman form of execution.
• "Famous people are usually remembered for the great events of their life, but Jesus seems to be equally remembered for His death on a cross." — Ben
• "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." — John 3:16

What is sin?

• God doesn't compare us to one another to decide if we're good. "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." — Romans 3:23
• Sin has a polluting effect — "it's not about the amount of sin… sin and selfishness have polluted our entire heart." (Ben)
• Sin has an addictive power — "I do not do what I want and I do the very thing I hate." — Romans 7:15
• Sin has a cost — what we earn from our sinfulness is a spiritual death.
• Sin destroys relationships — most tragically, it breaks our relationship with God.

Jesus died to free us from sin

• The judge and his friend — his death was the payment for our debt of sin.
• The sacrificial lamb — Jesus took our guilt and sin on himself, becoming the final sacrifice. "The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." — Isaiah 53:6
• A son welcomed home — "You can be forgiven of all the wrong you've done and be given a fresh start." (Jason)
• Jesus' resurrection proves he has authority over sin and death. "He was pierced for our transgressions… and by his wounds we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5

Notable Quotes

"God cleared the path so that we can be close to Him." — Ben

"Even though the debt is too big and the wall is too high, God provided a solution." — Jason

"In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself." — 2 Corinthians 5:19